LocationsMilestone in Maritime Security: Handover of Patrol boat Marks Success in Tackling Illegal Activities in Tanzania.
May 23, 2024
The Patrol Boat Salfish, handed over by UNDP with the support of the government of Japan, to the Government of Tanzania.
In a significant milestone to combating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and maritime activities in Tanzania, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)with support from the Government of Japan handed over a patrol boat to Hon. Kassim Majaliwa, Prime Minister of Tanzania. The boat was purchased through a project titled “Tackling Illegal Maritime Activities” implemented in collaboration with the Government of Tanzania through the Prime Minister’s Office and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
The handover event, held on Sunday, April 21st, 2024, symbolized a major achievement in enhancing maritime safety and security in Tanzanian waters. The official handover of a patrol boat “Patrol Boat Sailfish” to the Government of Tanzania signified collective efforts to safeguard Tanzania's maritime resources and promote sustainable development. This event underscored the commitment of all stakeholders to combat illegal maritime activities and foster prosperity for Tanzanian coastal communities.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Shigeki Komatsubara, UNDP Resident Representative in Tanzania, reaffirmed UNDP's commitment to close collaboration with the Government of Tanzania to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and advance the blue economy sector for the prosperity of all Tanzanians.
The Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon. Kassim Majaliwa Majaliwa on launching of the patrol boat handover.
Over the project’s duration, a robust coordinating mechanism was established within the Government of Tanzania, facilitating a more effective response to illegal maritime activities. Tangible improvements in the livelihoods of coastal communities in Bagamoyo, Pangani, and Mafia districts have empowered residents with better access to resources and technology. Key achievements:
Launch of the Framework for the National Coordination Mechanism
Delivery of essential assets such as speedboats and maintenance training
Comprehensive capacity-building sessions benefiting over 250 small-scale fishermen
Installation of 30 fish drying racks across Bagamoyo, Pangani and Mafia, directly benefiting over 1,200+ artisan fishermen and women.
Yasushi Misawa, the Ambassador of Japan to Tanzania, emphasized Japan's commitment to further contributing to Tanzania's social and economic development. “As a neighbor across the Ocean and an important partner in the Indo-Pacific region, Japan is dedicated to continuing its cooperation with Tanzania to ensure maritime safety and resource sustainability in the region.” He added.
The handover ceremony was graced by the Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon. Kassim Majaliwa, who extended hearty congratulations to all stakeholders for their role in the project’s successful implementation. He highlighted the significant contributions, including UNDP’s USD 400,000 investment, and assured unwavering support and cooperation from the Government. “We appreciate your contribution and continuous cooperation in supporting development areas. On behalf of the people and the government of Tanzania, I am very grateful”, he said
The successful handover of the patrol boat represents a commendable collaboration between international organizations, the Government of Tanzania, and development partners. It sets a precedent for effective measures against illegal maritime activities and lays the foundation for sustainable development along Tanzania's coastline.
